Grade 2 Bundeswehr Moleskin Parka
Grade 2 Bundeswehr Moleskin Parka
Grade 2 Bundeswehr Moleskin Parka
Grade 2 Bundeswehr Moleskin Parka

Vendor:Americana Pipedream Apparel

Grade 2 Bundeswehr Moleskin Parka

$79.99
Description

This is a Grade 2 listing, all products listed here will have defects including but not limited to missing buttons and features, tears or holes. We do not accept returns on Grade 2 items for condition.

 

The West German Moleskin Parka & Its History

The West German Bundeswehr moleskin parka was the army's standard cold-weather outer layer for most of the Cold War. It's a hooded, thigh-length parka with a removable pile liner, built to go over the rest of the field uniform. In the early 1970s the Bundeswehr moved its field clothing from herringbone twill to cotton moleskin. The parka kept that fabric until the five-color Flecktarn uniform started replacing it in 1991.

The gray version is the one most soldiers wore. The navy blue version is less common. It was made for the Bundesmarine, West Germany's navy, as a deck parka (Bordparka) for sailors working topside in North Sea and Baltic weather. It uses the same basic pattern as the army parka but in a darker color that suited shipboard work.

The parka also had a life outside the military. In the late 1970s and early 1980s it became part of the unofficial uniform of West Germany's environmental and anti-nuclear movements. Activists often cut the black, red and gold flag off the sleeve, which says a lot about how far the coat had drifted from its original purpose.

Construction

Moleskin is a thick, tightly woven cotton that's brushed on one side. It's soft to the touch and blocks wind well. Features include:

  • Hood with drawstring
  • Front zipper covered by a button-down storm flap
  • Two button-flap chest pockets and two button-flap waist pockets
  • One inside pocket
  • Waist drawstring and adjustable cuffs
  • Vent holes under the arms

The acrylic pile liner buttons in and out, so you can wear the parka as a shell or as a fully insulated winter coat.

Out in the World

You'll get the most out of this parka in cold, dry weather. Moleskin doesn't rustle the way nylon does, so it works well for deer stands and late-season bird hunting, where noise matters. With the liner in, it's warm enough for snow shoveling, winter dog walks and work in a cold shop or barn. Take the liner out and it's a heavy fall shell. It isn't waterproof. It handles light snow and wind, but it will soak through in steady rain. A civilian cotton parka with a removable pile liner usually costs two to three times as much, and most aren't built this heavy.

Sizing & Fit

German military sizes are based on chest and height, not civilian S/M/L. The parka is cut to go over a uniform, so it's roomy through the body. Sleeves tend to run short, so if you're tall or have long arms, consider sizing up. Please use our Sizing & Condition Guide before ordering.

  • West German Bundeswehr issue, 1970s to 1990s
  • Gray (Army) or navy blue (Bundesmarine deck parka)
  • Dense cotton moleskin shell
  • Removable acrylic pile liner
  • Attached hood with drawstring, zipper plus button storm flap
  • Four exterior pockets and one inside pocket
  • Issued condition; details vary coat to coat
Color
Color: Grey
Size
Size: Extra Small
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Pairs well with
Curious About Sizing?

Given the massive variety of clothing we carry, a standard sizing guide is incredibly helpful for customers seeking the best fit.

Please understand that surplus varies widely in fit and cut and this sizing chart is general advice rather than tailor-level fitting.

Nearly every military has different sizing charts and schemes, which is why we've taken the time to put together this brief tutorial.

 

Jacket & Shirt Sizing

In absence of an established military size chart, we measure each jacket or shirt from armpit to armpit to get a rough idea of how it fits. If a garment is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a shirt measures 19.75" from pit to pit, it is marked as a small rather than medium.

To measure pit to pit, close up your shirt or jacket and measure from armpit to armpit. 

This is our measurement guide that we use to measure garments without an existing military size chart:

14"-15" PtP = XXS

16-17" PtP = Extra Small

18"-19" PtP = Small

20-21" PtP = Medium

22-23" PtP = Large

24-25" PtP = Extra Large

26-27" PtP = XXL

28-29" PtP = 3XL

Pant Sizing

We typically convert pants to US waist and inseam sizes. If a pair of pants is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a pair of pants measures as a 33 waist, it is marked as a 32 waist.

To take these measurements we lay a pair of pants flat on the ground. We then measure across the waist and double the measurement. For example, if a pair of pants measures 16" across the waist it will fit a US 32 waist.

To determine inseam we measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff. For example, it a pair of pants measures 30" from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff we will list it as a 30 inseam or 30L.

Surplus Condition Guide

  1. Unissued
  2. These items are brand new. They may sometimes exhibit signs of storage. They may be new in their original factory packaging, but most times will not be. 
  3. Issued; Good / Issued
  4. These items are in issued/used condition but are fully functional. This grade of surplus item may also exhibit signs of use such as stampings, small stains or general dirtiness.
  5. Issued items will not have missing or broken buttons, zippers or be missing any functional components unless noted as such in the product description. Any items you purchase that are marked as "Issued; Good" but exhibit these defects will be replaced free of charge by Americana Pipedream.
  6. Grade 2
  7. These items are in issued/used condition but have defects that impede function. This may include missing buttons, broken zippers, holes and tears. They may also be missing components.
  8. This is the lowest grade of surplus item that we carry and they are not eligible for returns or exchanges due to condition.
Prop 65 Warning

All products that are NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION OR NOT FOOD PRODUCTS fall under this warning:

“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.” WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”

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Free exchanges & returns.